Mopipi Kgosi Found Dead

Innocent Selatlhwa | Tuesday July 4, 2017 14:31

“He was found by students who were going to school. He had injuries on his head and face, which raised suspicion that he could have been murdered,’ the source said.

Superintendent Kebaitse Molefe confirmed the passing on of Patelelo. “He was found dead by the road side. We are still investigating the cause of his death. We have since established that a car could have not hit him. Also, it was known that he was not sick; he did not have any fight with anyone,” Molefe said.

Meanwhile, the village of Mopipi has been embroiled in a long-standing bitter chieftainship rivalry. The late Patelelo was appointed late 2015, taking over from Oreagetse Machilidza, who felt Mopipi chieftainship was rightfully his, arguing that Mopipi villagers, following the death of the previous chief, Gakemotho Kgweetsi, endorsed him.

Machilidza was ultimately removed from the chieftainship by a court decision, giving way for the appointment of Patelelo. Machilidza, however, argued that Mopipi chieftaincy has always been decided by automatic succession since time immemorial, therefore he is the rightful candidate.

Local Government and Rural Development minister, Slumber Tsogwane, told The Monitor that Patelelo’s installation was in compliance with the court order and the matter had been sealed.

“Patelelo has been installed because our consultations have revealed that he was the one with the majority of supporters. I have heard that Machilidza is contemplating court action, but I have not received any papers yet.